Train accidents are an unfortunate reality that we face. Although safety measures have improved over the years, derailments are still not an uncommon occurrence. This leads to the question of what is causing train derailments. Experienced Sacramento train accident lawyers can help answer this question and any other questions that you may have. If you or anyone that you know has been involved in a train derailment, it may be beneficial to speak with an accident attorney.
Common Causes of Train Derailments
There can be several different causes of train derailments. Some of the most notable reasons for a train to be derailed can include:
- Error in human judgment. Error in human judgment or negligence is one of the leading causes of train derailment. Negligence can include failing to comply with safety signals and regulations, failing to communicate properly with the necessary parties or the railroad company forcing their workers to work long, extended hours.
- Equipment failure. Equipment failure could include defective wheels, bearings, suspension, or any other equipment-related defects. It is vitally important that employees follow and adhere to all the necessary safety procedures before each departure. Trains are large machines, and they require constant maintenance and inspection.
- Train track issues. Track-related issues can include cracked or broken rails. Over time, train tracks can weaken due to weather conditions and normal wear and tear. Freezing weather, poor design, or improper welding could lead to issues with the train tracks.
- Environmental factors. Many times, when we think of trains, we think that because of their large size they are not affected by weather conditions. This is not true. Rain, snow, storms, etc. can cause damage to not only the train but also the train tracks. In California, there are several train tracks that travel through forested areas or around mountains, valleys, and even deserts.
Any extreme changes in the weather conditions could lead to train track deterioration or debris on the track.
Other Factors
There are also factors that have nothing to do with the performance of the train itself. For example, a train derailment could be caused by a motor vehicle being stalled on the train tracks or a car intentionally crossing the train tracks right as the train approaches. These scenarios are less common but they do occur in some instances.
FAQs
Q: Why Are Train Cars Derailing?
A: There can be several reasons why a train car can derail. Some of the most common reasons for derailment include faulty tracks, equipment malfunction, environmental factors, or errors in human judgment. Faulty tracks could cause damage to the train causing it to derail. Different forms of equipment could malfunction leading to a derailment. Environmental factors such as the weather or debris on the track could cause a derailment. Finally, errors in human judgment such as negligence or distractions could lead to a derailment.
Q: What Is the Number One Cause of Train Derailment?
A: The number one cause of train derailments is miscommunication. Miscommunication can come in several different forms. Miscommunication can be as simple as the conductor failing to properly signal in time, it can be the railway company miscommunicating the anticipated weather or environment, leading to the failure to be adequately prepared.
Another example of miscommunication could be the failure of a conductor to alert other conductors of a potential issue observed on the train track. Many errors can be traced back to some form of miscommunication.
Q: What Would Have Caused a Train to Derail?
A: There are several factors that could cause a train to derail. Each train derailment is unique in its own way. Train derailments should be analyzed on a case-by-case basis. There are several factors to analyze, but most likely, a train is derailed due to some form of negligence on the part of either the conductor, the railroad company, or some other third party. The railroad company may be found negligent if they did not properly equip or train their employees for the job.
Q: How Do You Keep Trains from Derailing?
A: Keeping trains from derailing requires a lot of communication and coordination between the conductor and the railroad company. Also, it helps to ensure that the train is properly inspected routinely. The railroad company must ensure that their trains receive the necessary inspections and that their railroad employees are properly equipped and trained in order to safely operate the train.
Also, with the rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning, there are possibilities of integrating these technologies into preventative maintenance operations.
Q: Are There Laws in Place to Mitigate Against Train Derailment?
A: Yes, there are laws in place that help mitigate against train derailment in California. The US Senate recently introduced the Railway Safety Act of 2023. The act serves to address the safety requirements for railroad and transportation companies. This is in an effort to require the Department of Transportation to issue safety regulations regarding trains that are transporting hazardous materials.
Multiple railroad safety acts have been implemented over the years. One item that makes the Railway Safety Act of 2023 unique is the established requirement of wayside defect detectors.
Train Accident Attorneys
Train accidents are unfortunate events that happen. There are several causes that can lead to train accidents. It is important that railroad companies do their part to help mitigate against the risk of train derailments. There are some factors that are outside of the company’s control, therefore accidents are inevitable in some ways. Regardless, train accidents are scary events and they can often leave victims traumatized and facing serious injuries.
At Guenard & Bozarth, LLP, we have a legal team that is experienced in handling train accident cases. We have successfully helped individuals all across the state of California resolve their accident case. Our legal team understands the traumatic effects that train derailments can have on individuals who are involved. Our team can provide the compassion, dedication, and determination necessary to get you the answers and the service that you need. Contact us today.
